Little Lava Lake

I have a soft spot for this place because it was the first campground I stayed at when I discovered this beautiful part of Oregon. But, objectively, it has its quirks.

Pros: the lake is incredible for kayaking. No motorized boats allowed and great mountain views. It's a smaller campground and I think is overlooked by a lot of visitors to this area. Drinking water onsite is decent though there is only one source for the whole place as far as I know. Most sites have ample privacy.

Cons: bathrooms are pretty bad, the rickety doors barely close and the facilities are very small and usually shared with many flies. Lake often has algae, though that isn't the fault of the campground, just an FYI. Day use area is small and as more people discover this lake, parking becomes impossible. The boat launch is falling apart. The dirt road leading to the campground from the highway has some substantial craters so if you're bringing an RV, you might not have a good time driving in and the dirt road through the camp is pretty tight. Wouldn't recommend trailers stay here, best for tenting.

I think the average camper would enjoy Lava Lake campground nearby more since it has better facilities, a bigger lake, and a store.

I have a soft spot for this place because it was the first campground I stayed at when I discovered this beautiful part of Oregon. But, objectively, it has its quirks.

Pros: the lake is incredible for kayaking. No motorized boats allowed and great mountain views. It's a smaller campground and I think is overlooked by a lot of visitors to this area. Drinking water onsite is decent though there is only one source for the whole place as far as I know. Most sites have ample privacy.

Cons: bathrooms are pretty bad, the rickety doors barely close and the facilities are very small and usually shared with many flies. Lake often has algae, though that isn't the fault of the campground, just an FYI. Day use area is small and as more people discover this lake, parking becomes impossible. The boat launch is falling apart. The dirt road leading to the campground from the highway has some substantial craters so if you're bringing an RV, you might not have a good time driving in and the dirt road through the camp is pretty tight. Wouldn't recommend trailers stay here, best for tenting.

I think the average camper would enjoy Lava Lake campground nearby more since it has better facilities, a bigger lake, and a store.

We had a lovely time at Little Lava Lake. We brought kayaks and spent a couple of afternoons paddling around the lake. We were able to launch directly behind the double campsite, which allowed us to leave our kayaks right along the shore.

We had a lovely time at Little Lava Lake. We brought kayaks and spent a couple of afternoons paddling around the lake. We were able to launch directly behind the double campsite, which allowed us to leave our kayaks right along the shore.

Great location. No motors. Great hiking.

Great location. No motors. Great hiking.

Beautiful lake and setting. Nearly all the campsites will accommodate a moderate size RV, with good privacy in most. We were there in early October, the lone bathroom smelled really bad so I would avoid site 5

Beautiful small campground. Roads are tight and full of potholes. Sites are spread out with lots of privacy. Lake is beautiful!!

Beautiful lake and setting. Nearly all the campsites will accommodate a moderate size RV, with good privacy in most. We were there in early October, the lone bathroom smelled really bad so I would avoid site 5

Beautiful small campground. Roads are tight and full of potholes. Sites are spread out with lots of privacy. Lake is beautiful!!